FSU coach Jimbo Fisher brings football program back to prominence

Seminoles have stayed in contention for a national title despite losing 11 players in last year's NFL Draft

(Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando…)

November 5, 2013|By Brendan Sonnone, Orlando Sentinel

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher maintains that he does not have his program precisely where he wants it.

Ever the perfectionist, Fisher always demands more from himself and from his players. But the Seminoles are close to where Fisher envisioned them being when he took over in 2010.

"I think we're going that way," Fisher said.

The fourth-year head coach has resuscitated a once dominant program to the point where FSU is no longer rebuilding after every season, but reloading.

Despite losing 11 players in last year's NFL Draft, the highest total of any school, the No. 2 Seminoles (8-0, 6-0 ACC) are in prime position to make a run at a national title. FSU plays at Wake Forest (4-5, 2-4 ACC) on Saturday at noon.

The Seminoles were 30-22 the four years prior to Fisher taking over. Since then, FSU has compiled a 39-10 record.

"It's interesting because you have so many guys that got drafted last year, I think it was seven guys drafted on the defensive side. It's just reloading and talent, which is kind of crazy," ESPN college football analyst David Pollack said. "I think that's where Jimbo has got this program, because of his great recruiting."

There are two primary factors for the renaissance in Tallahassee. First, Fisher has thrived as a recruiter, stockpiling talent. Second, Fisher appears to have matured as a coach, which has helped in developing players.

"When Jimbo took over, there was a crisis in terms of talent on the roster," said Corey Dowlar, an ACC recruiting reporter for ESPN. "They had 250-pound defensive tackles and there's just no way he could do what he needed to do without a serious infusion of talent."

Fisher, who served as an offensive coordinator at FSU under Bobby Bowden from 2007-09, filled his coaching staff with talented recruiters and evaluators.

In addition to bringing in top-flight prospects — Rivals.com has ranked FSU's recruiting class 10th, 2nd, 6th and 10th in the nation each since Fisher took over — the FSU staff has also found value in overlooked players.

"They not only fit what they do, but can do several different things. They're versatile," Dowlar said.

Defensive back Terrence Brooks and offensive tackle Cam Erving are prime examples. Both came to the Seminoles as lightly-recruited — by FSU's standard — two-way players. Brooks is a two-year starter and is projected as a mid-round draft pick. Erving, a junior who moved from defensive line to left tackle while at FSU, is projected as a first-round draft pick by NFLDraftScout.com.

"The one thing that they're really, really good at is evaluating [talent,]" Dowlar said. "And if you go back and look at the last few classes, there aren't a lot of guys there they've missed on."

Fisher has also placed a premium on player development, stating that he's routinely used 14-15 first-year players since he was named head coach.

"It makes a huge difference in the big picture of things down the road," Fisher said. "If you're talented enough, you're gonna play. It lets recruits know that, but at the same time, you're saving those older guys for later in the year. … And when injuries occur, you've got guys that are ready to play."

The group of fourth-year seniors are part of Fisher's first recruiting class and are figureheads in FSU's evolution into a championship contender.

"Develop a culture. I think that's what's starting to happen a little bit," Fisher said. "They're understanding how we do things. … It takes time to establish that culture."

Fisher has found a level of comfort in his current cast of players, giving them the freedom to do more on the field.

"He trusts us a lot more," FSU starting center Bryan Stork said. "That's something he's done better as a head coach, is learn to trust his offensive line, trust the people around him. But he made us that way. He knew he had to make us that way and he did."